Bruce Springsteen Debuts “If I Was the Priest” in Houston

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band gave fans in Houston, Texas a Valentines Day treat, performing “If I Was The Priest” for the first time in 50 years.

I wrote this song. I was 22. Fifty years ago,” Springsteen told the crowd. “I still don’t have a clue what the f*** it’s about.” 

The last known performance of “If I Was the Priest” reportedly took place in May, 1972 at Gaslight Au Go Go in New York.  The song has appeared on bootlegs, but was officially released in 2020 on the record, “Letter to You.”

The Houston concert also included the release of E Streeters out of quarantine–Steven Van Zandt and Soozie Tyrell, who missed shows due to COVID. Guitarist Nils Lofgren is still recuperating.